Tanyel Gumushan: fun

A happy playlist

04:50

If, like me, you’ve found yourself caught yourself in the sticky web of the January blues, then fear not. It’s completely normal. January is wet, windy, dull, and our bank balances are likely to be quivering in fear. We’re part way through now, and slowly getting back into the routine of squatting when brushing our teeth and not being too disappointed when we see a mere one variety of cheese in the fridge. Oh wait, just me?

These are by no means new songs, but instead ones that have had my back and will probably have yours. Here are some happy tracks to stride to on the way to the lecture theatre.

Misty Miller – Happy

It’s got attitude. In fact, it kicks ass. Misty Miller is fierce with energy. Happy is a frantic dance floor anthem, and you HAVE TO stomp to it. Fast paced with a killer riff, try and get it out of your head.

Chet Faker – Bend

It’s time to get sexy. This Aussie producer mixes chaos with groovy bass and scattered drums and upbeat keys. Flirtatiously 90’s, vocals lush with a bluesy tinge.

Wicked – Dancing Through Life

PLEASE. Just trust me. Anybody who knows me knows that I pride myself on knowing pretty much the whole script to Wicked. Now it’s time for you to listen to Fiyero’s lessons. It’s wonderfully jubilant, has a hook so sugary that dentists recoil, and is there to spread joy.

Dancing through life, mindless and careless!

Darwin Deez – Kill Your Attitude

Because sometimes, we all have to do it. Capturing the essence of pure pop, it’s a nugget of bold vocals, clever lyrics and interesting riffs. Simply, fun.

Daudi Matsiko – Sandwiches

This beautiful hushed folk track is enchanting. Soulful vocals complement wonderful keys in a sequence that envelops you.

Hinds – San Diego

These Spanish girls know how to hold a party, and laugh off any cares in the world. Stripped from their debut album ‘Leave Me Alone’, San Diego boast a singalong chorus for your hairbrush singing needs and a rhythm that will put a spring in your step. It’ll transport you to the beach and allow a moment to let your hair down.

Flyte – Light Me Up

These Londoners create dreamy sounds that make you feel light as a feather and euphoric of a summer that wasn’t even yours. That’s the beauty of it. Glittery keys shimmer alongside velvety vocals that soothe.

Pertini – Ally Pally

We all have a love affair with a city, and most of the time that city is London. The electro duo paint bright colours of irony and humour that fizzles with eccentricity. With a rhythm to wiggle to and a tempo to be reckoned with.

Peace – Lost on Me

It’s here because it’s my absolute favourite song. The Brummie four piece take groove to a new level bursting with charisma and nifty riffs. Disco pop with an angelic chorus you’re chemically, so heavenlyyyyyyyyyy.

Courts – Sanatana

Psych rock guitars lick hip hop beats with mellow dance vibes. Lashed with slick rap, Courts meet in rose tinted harmony. It is tropical sounding and a breath of fresh air.

Lewis Watson – Calling

Who could resist a bit of our favourite HolyLoowis? Lovely acoustics accompany Lewis’s sweet vocals and youthful attitude. Twinkling keys add glitter to the positive lyrics of friendship and fun.

Josef Salvat – Open Season

If you’re looking for a voice to dive into then look no further. Josef Salvat’s honey clear vocals ‘I believe in you, and I know that you believe in me too’ slink over a glitchy electronic beat. Effortlessly cool.

The Wombats – Give Me a Try

WHO DOESN’T LOVE THE WOMBATS?! And Glitterbug was up there with the greatest albums of 2015. Joyous melodies, loud and proud vocals, a hook so infectious it could hospitalise and that fun loving energy.

Menace Beach - Super Transporterreum

The Leeds psych rockers have a way of creating their own worlds. One of which, is grungy and kaleidoscopic. Gritty but vibrant guitars blend with echoed vocals and fuzzy feedback.

Clean Cut Kid – Vitamin C

Dynamically blending male/female vocals in luscious melody, bold personalities shine through. Jangly instrumentals and funky rhythm specked with electro beats, made the joyous track plant a bulb in the subconscious as a punchy pop ballad.

Which tracks do you play to cheer yourself up? Let me know! xx

15 things I learnt in 2015

08:12

This post was supposed to be a quick post. But, it’s taking me like, triple, the time to type. I’m wearing false nails and they’re really short but it got to the point where I had to ask my twin sister to push my ankle boot on this morning. Both went flying. I’m hoping I don’t get a wedgie.

Girls, how are you doing this on a daily basis?

Anyway, here are fifteen things I learnt during 2015.

1. People you love won’t be there forever, give them a hug

This year I sadly lost my great auntie, Irene. Throughout my childhood she was the strong woman with the long hair who taught me how to French knit, absolutely kill a crossword, make orange peel cookies and let me read out the lottery numbers. She passed and I hadn’t seen her in a few years, something I’ll forever regret. There were stairs at the bottom of her garden that you climbed and you’d reach an entrance to the beach, I like to think she climbed the stairs!

Hug your loved ones, call them up, and never leave things too late.

2. Though, you can’t make people stick around. Even on your birthday.

Yes ladies and gents, this year I got dumped two days before my birthday! But, it’s totally cool. Is there ever a good time? This year I’ve learned not to worry about anybody who won’t even take thirty seconds to ask how you’re doing. Maybe it’s better in the long term for somebody not to stick around, who wants to live a lie? OH NOT IIIIIII!

3. But there’s always one person who you want to stick around…

For me this year I learnt that there’s no better person than my momma. 2015 wasn’t the greatest for me, but was the year that my mum and I grew stronger. Thanks for holding my hand, leaving mugs of tea on the windowsill, trying to rap along to the radio to break silences, sharing your wisdom and telling me the truth. Forever my biggest supporter.

I learnt that I am more like my mum than I would have cared to admit, but it’s something to shout from the rooftops whilst wearing leopard print boots.

4. Sometimes it just isn’t your time

In 2015 I took many chances, well, I tried to seize them really. After four months of pure hard work and determination, including the toughest interviews, pitches, presentations, activities and tests I missed out on an internship I was desperate for. Because of my age. However, I listen to Rachel Platten Fight Song and GET IT.

The world is your oyster, learn from the experiences and you’ll get the pearl.

5. So, always be your own cheerleader

No matter how small your achievement may seem to you, it’s still one. Whether it’s taking baby steps or a giant leap, be your own cheerleader. Taking pride in yourself is a step in itself, and it doesn’t mean you’re cocky. Confidence comes in different dose sizes.

So here goes, this year I was published in the Guardian, was recognised by Sony Music, won a national writing award position and got invited to the Mercury Prize Awards – I’m proud..!

6. You’re never too old to be childish

Having completed my first full year as a university student, I’ve realised that I’ll probably have Peter Pan sensibilities. This year I visited Shrek’s Adventure, Legoland, saw One Direction (my loves) twice and Little Mix, went to the circus, the farm, spent an amazing amount of time with my nieces and nephews. I did some childish things, essentially. I’m tired of being scared of embarrassing myself. 2015, you bought out my inner child and I want to stick my nose in all of the ice cream.

Be silly.

7. Some people are really rude

I spent the past seven months working as a waitress (not in a cocktail bar), during which I had the pleasure of making the best friends, but also meeting the worst customers. Working in customer service you’ll get your head bitten off, probably pick your skin by your nails too short with fear, and resist the urge to hide in the walk in fridge. There are some people who are just rude, and it’s best to dismiss it. You’ll never see them again.

8. A little kind goes a long way

Following this, I learnt – never be that customer. Don’t let customer service turn you bitter! Ask your server how their day is, compliment that barista’s nails, give your bus pass to somebody else for the day when you’ve finished with it, just smile. Karma does a circle.

You might even get an extra scoop of gelato. I speak from experience.

9. Nobody can make you feel inferior, without your permission

I swear a Disney tween star said this. But I can’t think who. Whatever. It’s true. I used to cower from department stores, never walk into fancy clothes shops and feel uncomfortable in restaurants. I am human, staff are human – let’s be human and feel comfortable around each other.

10. And, nobody can look after yourself as well as you can

This year, and into the next I learnt to stop relying on people for happiness. I can make it myself! You know what your body and mind wants and needs, so make sure that it gets it. Look after yourself, lil flowers. You’re still blossoming.

11. Make time to read

I’ve always been a bookworm, but recently I let it slip and didn’t prioritise reading. It was wrong of me and I’ve ended the year indulging in words and my mind has never felt as healthy.

12. Fads are fads, they rhyme with bad

I became obsessed with social media and trends, constantly comparing myself to other people. To fabricated online life! I have learnt to concentrate on my own, starting with checking other’s minimally.

13. I don’t have to live by a diary

I’m possibly the most organised person, ever. Somebody actually said ‘how are you so organised, but not together?!’ it’s true. Though 2015 bought spontaneous gigs, dates, holidays to Tunisia and trips. Seize the moment, and find William Thacker’s house in Notting Hill!

14. Family isn’t always your blood

I’ve become closer than ever to my step family this year, and it’s something I am so grateful for. They push me to ride rollercoasters, can embarrass me to death, tire me out at adventure plays and do nothing for my diet – we always eat out. Though my extended family are extremely precious, and I would never swap them.

This goes for my absolute bestie too, coming up to eight years of sleepovers, slut dropping, binge eating and talking absolute rubbish and I will never tire of it.

15. And finally, I like burritos

Yes, it took me to December to do it. But I tried a burrito, and I liked it.

Happy New Year to all! xx

Christmas

Things to do before the New Year

20:20

If you’re feeling a little bit down over the Christmas period, then fear not, you aren’t alone. With the holidays coming, it’s been drilled into us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Yeah, thanks Buddy.

Though I can’t help but see the festive times as a bit, well, stressful. We rush around all the time, it’s cold, tiring and I can’t help but feel a little bit lonely. Silly, I know. So as I moped around the house today, bored and feeling a bit sorry for myself; I created a list of things I’d like to do before the New Year. Things for my/our own benefit. Sorry guys, this is targeted a little more towards the girls.

Organise your underwear

Your drawer is probably overflowing right now, and let’s admit it – there are a few looking sad pairs hidden at the back. Forget that they’re comfortable, just forget that. Throw out all the old, and then you have the excuse to indulge and replace in new pieces! Separate bras, pants, thongs, and organise it all.

Let’s admit it, nice underwear makes you feel good, don’t deny your booty that.

Decorate your room

I’m not talking go all DIY SOS. Little things like; printing out some photographs of your best bits from the year or of things that make you happy. Check out the charity shops for a new mirror or ornament. Buy yourself a plant, maybe even a fish bowl with a new pet! Even just changing your light bulb to a brighter one, adding a new shade or hanging some fairy lights (this time of year is perfect for cheap ones, there are strings in the Pound Shop!) You could have a move around of the furniture and try out some feng shui. You’ll be surprised how much room you may be missing out on by just switching that chest of drawers with the bookcase.

Tidy your room

Yeah yeah we all do it… but not properly! Reorganise your shelves, throw out the bric-a-brac, and put on the marigolds. You don’t need that keyring from Spain 2007, really. Use a fabric spray to make everything smell fresh and new, give it all a good polish and dust down every corner. At the same time you can listen to your top tracks from the year!

Read your favourite book

You’re free of education, potentially free of work, and to be fair you’re probably a bit bored. So what better time to sit down and read your favourite book, or pop to the library and get a few to keep you going. Time flies when you’re reading a book. It’s also an excuse to have a nice bubble bath.

Sort out that wardrobe

Okay, hear me out. Completely take out everything from your wardrobe. Don’t sob. It may look a lot of mess, but it’ll be worth it. You may find something hidden at the back that you can fall in love with again.

Lay everything out into colour co-ordination, or perhaps by sort of item (jeans, skirts, vests…) and place everything back, neatly on hangers! Hurrah! Though here’s a trick, face all the hangers in backwards, when you wear something then hang it back the opposite way. Then check every couple of months to see which are still facing backward – these are what you don’t wear. So chuck! Unless it’s your summer stuff, d’uh.

Watch that film you’ve never watched but always wanted to

We all have it. For me, it’s Miss Congeniality. I have no idea why I’ve never seen it, but seen enough shocked expressions whenever the topic comes up. So, now is the time to pop some corn, get some wine and grab a blanket. Heck, make some cheese and choc fondue. You’ve earned this chill time.

Learn about what you always wanted to

What better time to expand your knowledge? If you’ve had an interest in something for a while then simply surf the internet. You’ll find a wealth of information that you can quite simply feel good knowing, and actually using the internet wisely! You’ll be ahead for the pub quizzes, too.

Write a short story

It’s likely that you have an idea in the back of your head, and now is the time to get it down on paper. Bring your characters to life! Alternatively, write about your year – best bit, worst bit – exaggerate it and flourish it, you may gain a better understanding of some situations. You may have the next Bridget Jones. Keep it for yourself or post it online and chat and share.

Do some volunteering

It's a bit last minute I know, but head down to local charities and organisations and see if they could use a helping hand. Why not? Better than watching Christmas editions of every TV show, ever. Even if it's simply making a few cuppa teas in the charity shop, or doing some cleaning. Food banks, homeless shelters, animal trusts, everywhere will be happy to see a friendly new face. You'll likely to meet great new people, too.

Clear out your laptop and phone

Your inbox has 849902 unread emails from Groupon, Wowcher and every other place you signed up to for the sake of 20p off. Now is the time to go through, unsubscribe and delete! You do realise these emails add to your phone storage, right? Whilst on your computer, clear out your desktop, rename documents to something relevant and ensure everything is in its place. Then pick up the phone and delete those texts, you know which ones. Get rid of the apps that you don’t use. Make room on your camera roll. Sounds silly, but then clean your phone with a makeup wipe!

A clean phone means a clean mind.

Start a new exercise routine

I fear this post may turn out to be a New Year cliché. Though I’m not talking resolutions, just little things to make you feel better. We’re all set to over indulge a tad over the holidays and consequently we may catch ourselves feeling guilty. Don’t. Make a short term plan! Squat whilst you brush your teeth, lunge whilst you wait for the kettle to boil and simply take the stairs as you do your last minute shopping.

A few other ideas:

· Do some baking

· Mess around with new makeup and hair styles

· Go for a walk

· Create a scrapbook

· Catch up on Vlogmas

· Start a blog

· Doodle/draw thank you cards for your gifts

What other ideas do you have? Any plans? Let me know in the comments!

advice

Freshers, without the excessive drinking

08:03

So, you got your results and you’re heading to university? Good stuff! Though, with every event invitation on Facebook inviting you to what promises to be the ‘biggest’ and/or ‘messiest’ freshers event, you are filled further with dread?

Well, that sounds just a little bit extreme. It’s there for some people though. That’s okay.

I am nineteen years old and have never been absolutely wasted, as us young people put it. That’s not to mean that I didn’t enjoy freshers and don’t enjoy nights out.

I do drink, I enjoy a couple of cocktails with the girls and a vodka and coke in a club. I enjoy a cider with a pub lunch and a wine with a chick flick. I just don’t enjoy the thought of drinking money away to spew in a gutter and break my favourite pair of heels. Though I can see why getting drunk appeals to some people, for me it’s really the loss of control that comes with it. Everybody is different.

As freshers rolled round last September, I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t dreading it. Everybody I met at uni or in halls was asking me where I was going and which wristband I had, like I had a clue.

If you’re like me, then here’s how to get the most out of freshers.

Join in, your way

Clubs do not force alcohol down your throat, so if that’s your worry then scrunch it up and throw it away. There’s no harm in perhaps trying an event, be it a UV or foam party. Get your glad rags on and head out with your new flat mates, if you don’t want to drink then don’t. If you want a few then have a few. Don’t let fear hold you back, if it’s not your scene then grab a taxi home, no harm done.

Find a few unusual bars

During our freshers, myself and best friends found a jazz bar in the middle of Birmingham. We walked in and it was a free gig with a great atmosphere. Another time we went to a burrito bar. The next a Jekyll and Hyde themed bar. With so much happening in the surroundings, nobody gives a toss what’s in your glass – so long as you’re having a good time. So you drink that mocktail. Or that cocktail.

Attend the freshers fair

It seems lame, but it’s a great way to meet people. How very cliché. It’s true though. Go and get your free pizza, some noodles and a couple of vouchers for gym memberships. Have a look around your campus and be one of the few without a hangover. You might meet your new BFF who has bright ideas about an evening plan. Whilst there…

Join a society

Blah blah blah, it’s a university must. So why not? Pay your fiver and find friends for life and a bustling social life. The societies will be holding their own freshers events too, so spend your evening with the other sport fanatics watching the game, or get out writing for journalism.

Explore!

You're probably somewhere new, so why not? Take a walk into town and see what you stumble across. We found a video game evening in a hall, and played PacMan. Another time we found a museum. You'll probably find shortcuts too, which are handy for the rest of the year.

Find the music

Most universities are near to/in a city, meaning that there are music venues nearby. Go and find them, September – December are the months of tours. Gigs are a great way to spend an evening, plus you’ll bond with people as the shared interest is already there.

Also, check out the smaller music venues. Local musicians, upcoming artists, a different night out. Even find an open mic or karaoke bar! Similarly, check out the theatres who probably offer student tickets.

Less drink? MORE FOOD!

You just can't beat a meal out, and by finding the best eateries with your new pals you save the washing up liquid too. Get yourself into China Town and find the best buffet, head to the cultural quarters and try something new. Browse the hidden gems of shops and treat yourself to an afternoon tea!

Look for events

Your SU won’t only be organising bar crawls, chances are there will be cinema trips as well as day trips. Sign yourself up and find yourself on the Warner Bros Studio Tour with some new class mates, or even give Warwick Castle a chance!

Have the neighbours over

Even the strongest of fresher-goers can’t escape without freshers flu, everybody will need a breather at some point. Take this time to invite your suffering neighbours over for a couple of films and some popcorn. Get to know them.

Make the effort to invite them over for an evening of card games or baking. Order some pizza and set up the game console. Some friends of mine even bought a ball pit. They’ll realise that staying in can be the new going out.

You’ll be surprised at how many people will be just like you, and then how many people really don’t care that much about what you do and will respect your choices. Just remember, anybody who pressures you isn’t worth having as a friend. Not enjoying drinking isn’t the end of your university fun, and is no reason for you to hide away during freshers. It’s also no reason for you to miss out on new friendships.

Go and have fun! x

A happy playlist

15 things I learnt in 2015

Things to do before the New Year

Freshers, without the excessive drinking

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